NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, together with HDK-Valand Academy of Art and Design at the University of Gothenburg, presents the International Doctorate in Artistic Practice.
The PhD offers participants the opportunity to develop distinctive practice-based research projects within a collaborative, transdisciplinary and international learning environment.
For the 2026/27 Academic Year, NABA is dedicating the Call to the professional development of its own community. Applications are therefore reserved for permanently employed staff members working at any NABA Campus.
The Programme
The programme is centred on practice-based research and draws inspiration from critical epistemologies and politically engaged perspectives.
Artistic research is understood as a dynamic space through which social, political and cultural issues can be addressed, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue across the arts, academia and different cultural contexts.
The PhD aims to strengthen the academic profile of NABA staff and to support the development of innovative artistic and research practices capable of generating significant contributions to knowledge.
The programme includes seminars, lectures, courses, research activities and project development with the faculty. Participants are also expected to contribute actively to the organisation of workshops, teaching activities, guest lectures, conferences, exhibitions and screenings.
Two doctoral positions are available, with a duration of five to six years on a part-time basis.
The programme is integrated into the candidate’s working activity at NABA.
All the documents required to apply for the PhD programme are available in the following Download Area.
Download Area
Applications for the PhD in Artistic Practice — A.Y. 2026/27 open on 23 July 2026.
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application form by 7 September 2026 at 12:00 CEST.
Applications received after the deadline or submitted through channels other than the designated online form will not be considered.
How to Apply
The Call is reserved for permanently employed NABA staff members working at any NABA Campus.
Applicants must hold a second-cycle degree, equivalent to an MA, awarded by a recognised university or academy.
Candidates with an ongoing artistic practice are encouraged to apply. Artistic practice is considered in its broadest sense.
The proposed project must be relevant to NABA’s activities and research interests and must be capable of being integrated into the applicant’s working activities.
Before submitting the application, candidates must discuss and agree with their Line Manager:
- the complete research project;
- its integration into NABA working activities;
- the expected workload;
- the organisation of the time dedicated to the PhD.
Line Manager approval is mandatory and must be documented through Annex D, signed by both the Line Manager and the applicant.
To apply, candidates must:
- Complete the online form
- Complete the official forms
Annex A — Research Proposal
Annex B — Statement
Annex C — Time Plan
Annex D — Line Manager Approval Form
Prepare the supporting documents
- Curriculum Vitae;
- portfolio;
- academic transcript or certificate;
- publications and presentations, where applicable;
- letters of recommendation, where applicable;
- evidence of English-language proficiency;
- any additional HR documentation requested in the online form.
HDK-Valand is currently finalising its Recognition of Prior Learning, RPL, procedure.
The procedure will enable applicants who do not hold the formal academic qualifications required for admission, but who have acquired relevant knowledge and competencies through professional experience, to request an assessment of their prior learning for eligibility purposes.
Candidates in this situation are nevertheless encouraged to apply. At the time of publication of the Call, however, it cannot be guaranteed that the RPL procedure will be completed before the application deadline.
Applications open: 23 July 2026
Information webinar: 23 July 2026 at 11:00 CEST - LINK
Application deadline: 7 September 2026 at 12:00 CEST
Application assessment and shortlisting: 8-21 September 2026
Interview: September-October 2026
Notification of outcome: October 2026
The commencement date of the doctoral studies will be communicated to successful applicants together with information regarding admission and enrolment procedures.
The PhD in Artistic Practice is developed by NABA in collaboration with HDK-Valand Academy of Art and Design at the University of Gothenburg.
NABA hosts and integrates the programme into the Academy’s professional and research activities, while the formal admission decision is made by the competent authority at the University of Gothenburg in accordance with its regulations for doctoral education.
Title: PhD in Artistic Practice
NABA location: Milan Campus
Partner institution: University of Gothenburg — HDK-Valand Academy of Art and Design
Duration: five to six years, part-time
Average completion time: 5.3 years
Application and programme language: English
Starting date: communicated to successful applicants
Faculty
